Vacations are supposed to be an opportunity to unwind and destress, but a misplanned family holiday can very easily do the opposite. That’s why it’s so essential to set yourself up for success with a well-planned and researched Japan family holiday itinerary. Trust us, it can truly be the difference between immaculate lifelong memories and an experience you’d rather forget.
To make your experience of travelling with kids in Japan as smooth as possible, we’ve put together this 1-week Japan family holiday itinerary with recommendations for children of all ages.
How to Plan the Best Japan Family Holiday
Planning a Japan family holiday doesn’t have to be difficult! There is an abundance of information online and numerous resources available for travelling to Japan with kids, and we’re here to ensure you have everything you need to build the perfect 7-day Japan itinerary with kids.
Here’s where to start:
Need a little more help? We’re a boutique travel agency in Japan that’s helped dozens of families plan the perfect Japan family holiday itinerary. You have the ideas, we know the spots, so let’s plan your Japan family holiday together! Check out our Japan travel planning services for more information.
Japan in 7 Days With Kids: Your Japan Family Holiday Itinerary:
Japan Family Holiday Day 1: Settle Into Tokyo
Morning
日本へようこそ! Welcome to Japan! We’ll be honest, day 1 in Japan as a family is usually more about survival than anything else. Focus on how to set up your kids for the best possible trip, that means finding the hotel, eating, and (attempting) to get on top of jetlag.
As soon as you land at the airport, you’ll want to set up travel passes for your family. In Japan, kids aged 6 to 11 need to pay child fares on public transport, and the easiest way is by using a child IC card like Suica or Pasmo. These tap cards apply the discounted fare automatically and can be set up at the airport by showing your child’s passport. For adults, you can get a Welcome Suica at the same time, or if you have an iPhone, you can set one up in advance in your Apple Wallet.
If you’ve flown into Haneda Airport, it might be easiest to navigate directly to the taxi rank to get to your hotel as smoothly as possible. Taxi rates into the city are usually between ¥5,900-¥7,000 ($40-$48) during the day, with an around 20% surcharge added during late-night hours (10 pm–5 am).
Alternatively, you can take the Limousine Bus to most central Tokyo stops (and direct to some hotels), which takes between 45-90 minutes. Tickets are ¥1,300 ($8.80) for adults and ¥650 ($4.40) for children aged 6-12.
Narita is much further out from Tokyo, so taxis are quite expensive–anywhere between ¥20,000-¥32,000 ($140-$220). Instead, we recommend taking an express train into the city. For Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, take the Narita Express. It costs ¥3,070 ($21) for a reserved adult seat, and ¥1,530 for children. Alternatively, ride the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno or Nippori at ¥2,570 ($17.50) for adults, and ¥1,290 ($8.80) for children.
Afternoon
Hopefully, you’ve overcome the first challenge and checked into your hotel. Now, it’s time to explore your neighbourhood. Tokyo is a super safe city and known for being very easy to navigate, but to help you have an even smoother Japan family holiday, we recommend downloading the following apps:
- Mamapapamap: An app that shows nearby baby changing and nursing facilities
- Tabelog: Japan’s most popular restaurant review and rating platform, where you can specifically search and find family-friendly places to eat
- Google Translate: Use the camera function to instantly translate Japanese to English
You might also want to consider getting a portable Wifi, Japanese SIM, or eSIM for data on the go.
Japan Family Holiday Day 2: Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi, and Shibuya
Morning
Start your morning at Meiji Jingu, one of Tokyo’s largest (and most peaceful) temples. Many people opt to visit Senso-Ji, but with the huge crowds and busy atmosphere, it isn’t exactly a peaceful Japan family holiday experience.
Meiji Jingu, on the other hand, is located in a tranquil forest in the middle of the city—think huge trees, spiralling trails, and plenty of space for kids to roam. The temple itself was built in 1920 to honour Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and is filled with history and culture for parents, and fun interactive elements for kids.
Once you leave the temple grounds, Yoyogi Park is directly next door. This park is famous in Tokyo for being one of the most relaxed places in the whole city, where kids can be kids in Yoyogi. Unlike other parks in Tokyo, there are no rules when it comes to running around, playing games, or dancing to music. Just make sure to still be mindful of other people by not leaving litter lying around, only smoking in the designated areas, and following Japanese day drinking customs.
Meiji Jingu: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557
Meiji Jingu opens with sunrise and closes with sunset. See the monthly park opening hours here.
Yoyogi Park: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052
Yoyogi Park is open 24 hours a day.
Afternoon
Stop for lunch at one of Harajuku or Shibuya’s many kaiten zushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants. Sushiro is a particular family favourite thanks to the fun games and anime/character-themed campaigns that run throughout the year. They have baby seats, kids’ meals, and you can use the Sushiro app to get in a digital line to avoid waiting to be seated at the restaurant.
With bellies full of sushi, it’s time to explore Shibuya. Hit the main spots like Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko, and even the Pokémon Centre, but be prepared for large crowds no matter the day or time. If the number of people starts to get overwhelming for the kids (or you), make an easy detour to Miyashita Park, a rooftop greenspace in the middle of Shibuya. There’s even a children’s climbing wall for little ones who need to let off some steam.
Miyashita Park: 6 Chome-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
Opening Hours: 8 am to 11 pm
Japan Family Holiday Day 3: Spend a Magical Day at DisneySea
Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are located just outside of Tokyo and offer classic Disney magic and sea-inspired adventures for all ages. Advance booking is recommended—especially during busy seasons—with 1-day tickets priced at ¥8,200 ($56) for adults and ¥4,900 ($33.50) for children.
Although both parks are packed with fun, kid-friendly experiences, if you’re only visiting one, we recommend DisneySea as it’s the only one in the world. It also has cool themed ports like Mermaid Lagoon and Arabian Coast, colourful play areas, and interactive shows perfect for younger children. For older kids and teens, there are thrilling attractions like Journey to the Centre of the Earth and Indiana Jones Adventure.
Like all amusement parks in Japan, DisneySea gets very busy, especially on Thursday-Sunday, so if your schedule allows, try and do this day on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. The earlier you arrive, the less crowded the park will be and although it claims to open at 9 am, doors can actually open as early as 7:30 am, and people start lining up from 6 am onwards.
Tokyo DisneySea does offer several ticket and queue-jumping options to help families make the most of their visit, such as the Disney Premier Access (¥1,500–¥2,500 per person) to skip the lines for top attractions, with one paid reservation allowed at a time. The app also offers free Standby Passes (or Priority Passes) for popular rides, shops, and restaurants—especially in the new Fantasy Springs area, where timed access is sometimes required.
As DisneySea is pretty far from central Tokyo, the best way to get there is either the shuttle bus or a taxi. Direct buses run from major hotels and stations like Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and Ikebukuro to the resort. They cost around ¥1,000–¥1,300 ($6-$9) per adult and ¥500–¥650 ($3-$5) per child, and take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
A taxi from central Tokyo to Disney Resort is typically a little quicker and can be scheduled for pickup at any time. They cost ¥7,000-¥10,000 ($48-$68), depending on distance, traffic, and time of day.
DisneySea: 1-13 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-8511
Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm
Get ahead on how to pre-book experiences in Japan:
Day 3 Alternative: teamLab Planets and an Edo-Style Market
Morning
Amusement parks not really your family’s thing? No worries! Instead, spend your day 3 morning experiencing the wonders of teamLab Planets, an immersive and sensory art experience. Kids (and adults) can walk barefoot through knee-deep water, lie back in rooms filled with floating flowers, and get lost in dreamy, interactive light displays. Every room is designed to be touched, explored, and experienced with your whole body, making it perfect for children who don’t like to stand still.
TeamLab Planets is best suited for kids aged 5 and up, but younger children can still enjoy it with supervision—just be aware that some rooms involve darkness, mirrors, and shallow water, which might be overwhelming for toddlers or very sensitive kids. You can store strollers, bags, and belongings in the free lockers on your way inside, but be aware that you might want to bring a change of clothes or a towel in case of too much splashing in the water rooms.
You can usually book tickets up until a few days before, but you might want to reserve them a few weeks in advance just in case your ideal time slot fills up.
TeamLabs Planets: 6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061
Opening Hours: 9 am to 10 pm
Afternoon
Walk just 11 minutes (or hop in a quick taxi) to reach Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai, an Edo-style food market located right next to the Toyosu fish market. It’s similar to Tsukiji Outer Market, but with far fewer crowds and often even slightly lower prices. It has wooden storefronts, lantern-lit alleys, and outdoor clock towers, all while housing around 70 restaurants and shops serving fresh seafood, snacks, and sweets.
On the rooftop floor, you’ll also find the Senkyaku Banrai Footbath, a free footbath for adults and children with views overlooking the bay. Trust us, nothing feels better than soaking your tired feet after 3 days walking around Tokyo!
For the final stop of the day, head to Akihabara. If you’re kids are into manga, anime, or gaming, then this is a must-visit spot. The area is Tokyo’s electric playground, packed with arcades, character shops, and gadget stores that make it a wild and wonderful stop for families.
Make sure to schedule in enough time for a GiGO Akihabara stop. These giant, multi-floor arcades are a sensory overload in the best way possible. Each floor has a different theme; you’ll find claw machines on one level, rhythm and dance games on another, then photo booths, fighting games, and retro classics tucked in for good measure.
Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai: 6 Chome-5-1 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061
Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm
GIGO Akihabara: Multiple Locations
Opening Hours: 10 am to 11:30 pm
Japan Family Holiday Day 4: From Tokyo to Kyoto
Morning
On day 4 of the Japan family holiday, it’s time to travel south to Kyoto and ride the bullet train. Start by getting to Tokyo Station, where you can purchase same-day shinkansen tickets. Trains run from Tokyo to Kyoto every 10ish minutes, take 2.5 hours, and cost roughly ¥13,650–¥14,400 ($90-$100) for a reserved seat. Try and get seats on the right side in order to see Mount Fuji from the train!
Before boarding, make sure to stop at one of the many bento-box stalls in Tokyo Station to get a packed lunch for the train. There are all kinds of different Japanese food, flavours, and styles, including kids’ meals and even self-heating options for a hot lunch on the go.
Afternoon
After checking into your next hotel, head straight to Arashiyama bamboo forest. It’s one of those spots that feels like a little adventure from the moment you arrive. One of the best parts for families is Iwatayama Monkey Park. You’ll need to do a bit of uphill walking (strollers not ideal) to get there, but the payoff is worth it. There are sweeping views over Kyoto and lots of monkeys roaming freely. Kids can even feed them through a little hut with wire windows.
To celebrate your first evening in Kansai, we recommend heading out for an okonomiyaki dinner. This savoury pancake is made with shredded cabbage, batter, and lots of yummy fillings, but best of all, it is cooked straight in front of you on a griddle. It’s a “DIY dinner” experience that kids love, plus they can drizzle it with sauces and sprinkle on toppings themselves.
Arashiyama: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Arashiyama is open 24 hours a day.
Iwatayama Monkey Park: 61 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0004
Opening Hours: 9 am to 4 pm
Japan Family Holiday Day 5: Diving Deep into Cultural Kyoto
Morning
For your first morning in Kyoto, we recommend booking a family-friendly cultural activity. Kyoto is famous for being a hot spot for traditional Japanese culture, which you can experience yourself in a hands-on workshop like the Samurai and Ninja experience. During the experience, you can try on outfits and learn the fundamentals of samurai swordsmanship from an expert.
Other options are a kimono experience to get dressed up in beautiful traditional kimono, mochi pounding to make your own soft sweets, and even a rickshaw ride to explore one of Kyoto’s most famous areas.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head over to Fushimi Inari, otherwise known as the Thousand Gates Shrine. This is not only one of Kyoto’s most iconic spots, but it’s also surprisingly fun for families. The endless rows of bright red torii gates feel like stepping into another world, and the gently winding paths are great for curious explorers.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to hike the whole mountain (the full trail takes 2–3 hours), but even walking partway gives you the magic of the gates without wearing everyone out. There are little shrines and fox statues to spot along the way, such as at the Okusha shrine where little ones can get a fox-shaped ema (small wooden plaque) to draw their face on while making a wish. On the way out, you’ll also find plenty of snack stalls for a post-hike!
A lot of articles will tell you to go early, but as a result…a lot of people go early. These days, the shrine is pretty full no matter what time you arrive, so we recommend prioritising your kids’ schedule over anything else.
Fushimi Inari: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Fushimi Inari is open 24 hours a day.
Japan Family Holiday Day 6: Day Trip to Nara
Nara Day Trip
If you’re in Kyoto and looking for an easy, kid-friendly day trip, Nara is a no-brainer. It’s less than an hour away and totally worth the journey, especially if your kids love animals or open spaces to run around in. The star attraction? The free-roaming deer that wander through Nara Park like they own the place (because honestly, they kind of do).
Getting there is super simple. From Kyoto Station, just hop on the JR Nara Line; if you take the Miyakoji Rapid, it gets you to Nara in only 45 minutes. Once you arrive, the main sights are either a short bus ride or a pleasant 15–20 minute walk from the station, depending on your/your kids’ energy levels.
At Nara Park, the deer will probably spot you before you spot them—and yes, they’ll bow for shika senbei (deer crackers) that you can buy from nearby vendors. It’s chaotic and hilarious and makes for the best family photos. Just keep an eye on younger kids, as the deer can be a little pushy when they know you’ve got snacks.
Nara Park: Nara, Japan
Nara Park is open 24 hours a day.
Osaka Day Trip
For a more city-themed excursion, you could consider spending the day in the nearby city of Osaka—getting there from Kyoto Station only takes about 30 minutes on the JR Special Rapid Service. Once you arrive, one of the best family-friendly spots to visit is the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. It’s one of the largest aquariums in the world and super impressive for people of all ages. The huge central tank with a whale shark is always a favourite, and there are penguins, jellyfish, and interactive touch pools too. It’s stroller-friendly and indoors, so it’s a great option rain or shine.
After the aquarium, take a short walk over to Tempozan Marketplace, where you’ll find a casual food court and some fun souvenir shops. If your kids still have energy, the nearby Tempozan Ferris Wheel offers amazing views over the bay and is a fun, slow-paced activity before heading back into the city.
Before returning to Kyoto, make time to swing by Dotonbori, Osaka’s neon-lit entertainment and food district. It’s a feast for the senses with huge signs, street food stalls, and river views. Grab some takoyaki (octopus balls), snap a photo with the Glico running man sign, and soak in Osaka’s playful, energetic vibe.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022
Opening Hours: 10 am to 8 pm
Tempozan Marketplace: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022
Opening Hours: 10:30 am to 9 pm
Japan Family Holiday Day 7: Making Final Memories
Morning
For the final morning of your Japan family holiday, we recommend getting out and doing some casual adventuring on foot. Gion, in particular, is a stunning area to stroll through, with plenty of cafes, alleyways, and stalls to explore.
To really get in some final sightseeing before a long flight, consider making stops at Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, and Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka lanes. These old stone streets are full of charm, with little shops selling traditional snacks, toys, and souvenirs that make great last-minute keepsakes.
Afternoon
If you’re flying out of Tokyo, head to Kyoto Station and take the bullet train back to Tokyo Station. Ideally, however, look into taking return flights from KIX (Kansai International Airport), as it’s much closer to Kyoto.
To get there, you can take the bus or train (or a very expensive taxi). The cheapest option is the airport limousine bus, which takes 90-105 minutes from Kyoto Station and costs roughly ¥2,600 ($18) for adults and ¥1,300 ($9) for children.
If you’re not worried about budget, the JR Haruka Limited Express Train is a more reliable option, departing every 30 minutes from Kyoto Station and taking only 75 minutes to KIX. Adult tickets are around ¥3,700 ($25) for a reserved seat, ot ¥1,800 ($12.50) for children.
Have More Time? Add These Spots…
- Ghibli Museum and Kichijoji (Tokyo)
- KidZania (Tokyo)
- Overnight Glamping at Kawaguchiko
- A Kyoto Day Trip to Lake Biwa
- Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)
FAQs:
How much is a family holiday to Japan?
This all depends on your budget and family size, but as a point of reference, a family of four might spend between $2,000–$4,000 on a one-week Japan family holiday (excluding flights).
Is Japan a good family holiday destination?
Japan is an amazing family holiday destination! The country is super safe for kids, filled with fun and interactive activities, with lots of interesting culture and food for keeping parents just as entertained.
What are some good things to do in Tokyo with kids?
There are so many kid-friendly things to do in Tokyo, but here are a few to get you started: KidZania, teamLab Planets, Ueno Zoo, Asakusa’s street snacks, Odaiba’s interactive museums, and the Pokémon Centre for a fun, hands-on adventure the whole family can enjoy.
Is it a good idea to go to Japan with toddlers?
This ultimately depends on the toddler themself, however, if they are able to travel and deal with different schedules and jetlag, Japan is a great option. It’s safe, fun, and has free world-class baby facilities such as changing stations, quiet zones, and toddler feeding areas across all major cities.
Where to stay in Tokyo for the first time with family?
For your first Tokyo family trip, Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Tokyo Station/Marunouchi are great bases—Shinjuku offers convenience and lively energy, Asakusa has traditional charm and space to roam, and the Tokyo Station area is central, calm, and perfect for quick train access. Check out our guide on where to stay in Tokyo for more ideas.
Are my kids too young to visit Japan?
Like with all travel for children, there is no specific age guidelines to follow when considering a Japan family holiday. As far as destinations, Japan is a great option for younger kids, toddlers, and babies, as it’s incredibly safe, has a multitude of public facilities that all parents can use, as well as offering a huge range of activities appropriate for younger children. On the other hand, if you’re chid is a picky eater, struggles with routine change, or has difficulty in crowds then Japan might not be the right choice for them right now.
